Mahjong game machine and mahjong game system

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present invention is to provide a mahjong game which determines winning or losing in a short time. The mahjong game machine according to the present invention has a display to show a plurality of mahjong tiles, the plurality of mahjong tiles shown on the display may be arbitrarily selected, the selected mahjong tiles are exchanged to complete a meld, and a plurality of mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn. Also, the mahjong game machine according to the present invention has a display to show a plurality of mahjong tiles. In the mahjong game machine, mahjong tiles may be arbitrarily selected from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display screen, the selected mahjong tiles are exchanged to complete a meld, and the display is a widescreen.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mahjong game machine which has adisplay to display a plurality of mahjong tiles, wherein mahjong tilesto be exchanged may be arbitrarily selected from the plurality ofmahjong tiles displayed on the display, and the selected mahjong tilesare exchanged to other mahjong tiles to complete a meld.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Conventionally, a number of mahjong game machines, where a plurality ofmahjong tiles are displayed on a display screen and a player arbitrarilyexchange tiles from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed to completea meld, are known.

For example, Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No.H9-262369 discloses a mahjong game machine for a single player. First, apredetermined number of mahjong tiles randomly selected from a pluralityof mahjong tiles are distributed only to one player. The player is tocomplete a meld by arbitrarily exchanging unwanted tiles to randomlydistributed mahjong tiles.

However, the game performed in such a mahjong game machine was tocomplete a meld by exchanging distributed mahjong tiles one by one. Forthis reason, when the mahjong game machine is used in a casino, forexample, it takes too long to complete a meld, thus becoming unable toentertain players. In casinos, players prefer to enjoy winning a game,rather than enjoying a process of completing a meld, that is, thedetermination of a game is preferred to be in a short time. Under suchcircumstances, users desire the development of mahjong game machinewhich can be enjoyed in a casino.

Also, conventionally poker game machines where a plurality of cards aredisplayed on a display screen and a player exchange one or multiplecards to complete a meld with displayed cards, are known.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a mahjong game machine which has a display fordisplaying a plurality of mahjong tiles, wherein mahjong tiles to beexchanged may be selected arbitrarily from the plurality of mahjongtiles displayed on the display, the selected mahjong tiles are exchangedto the other mahjong tiles to complete a meld and a plurality of mahjongtiles may be exchanged in one turn that allows to select mahjong tilesto be exchanged.

In the conventional mahjong game machine, distributed mahjong tiles wereonly allowed to exchange one by one. By configuring the mahjong gamemachine as described above, it can entertain players in casinos becausecompletion of a meld does not take too long. Also, by configuring asabove, a game result is determined in a short time, thereby providing agame that can give more pleasure to players in casinos who enjoy winninga game rather than enjoy the process of completing a meld.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, thenumber of mahjong tiles is fourteen which is divided into four sets ofthree mahjong tiles and one set of two mahjong tiles, and each set isdisplayed on the display apart from each other.

In many cases, mahjong is to determine as to whether a meld is completedor not by dividing mahjong tiles in four sets of three mahjong tiles andone set of two mahjong tiles. By configuring as described above, it iseasier for a player to determine whether a meld is completed or not, andthe game result can be decided in a short time, thereby it provides morepleasure to players in casinos who enjoy winning games.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, mahjongtiles that can be exchanged in one turn may be one set of three mahjongtiles, two sets of three mahjong tiles, three sets of three mahjongtiles, or four sets of three mahjong tiles.

By configuring as described above, the player can enjoy the gameconcentrating on winning or losing without thinking too much aboutcompleting a meld. Also, it is suitable for players who enjoy casinosbecause the game result is determined in a short time. Also, the aboveconfiguration employs a touch panel, which enables a player to exchangemahjong tiles easily, thereby eliminating discomfort to the players.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, thenumber of mahjong tiles that can be exchanged in one turn may be two orfourteen.

By configuring as described above, it is easy for a player to perform aselection operation compared to, for example, in a case of six mahjongtiles to be exchanged, thereby the result of the game can be determinedin a short time.

In one embodiment of the mahjong game machine, one or multiple sets ofthree mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn, and a mahjong tile mayfurther be selected individually in one turn.

By configuring as described above, it provides variety of exchangemethods of mahjong tiles and players can enjoy the game. Also, using twotypes of exchange methods, the result of the game can be determined in ashort time thereby appealing to players in casinos.

In the game machine according to the present invention, the number ofturns which allows one to select mahjong tiles to be exchanged may beonce.

By configuring as described above, the game result can be determined ina short time thereby providing more pleasure to players in casinos whoenjoy winning the game.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, thenumber of turns to select the exchange of mahjong tiles is two or three.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, thedisplay may be a widescreen.

By configuring as above, each tile is displayed larger on the displayscreen, thereby the mahjong tiles can be easy to see. Because the tilesare displayed larger, it is easier for a player to touch the mahjongtiles when the player selects exchange tiles using a touch panel.

The number of melds for the mahjong game machine according to thepresent invention may be ten or less.

By configuring as described above, the number of melds is not too large,so that a player can exchange mahjong tiles without thinking too muchabout types of meld to complete, thereby the player can enjoying thegame focusing on winning or losing.

The present invention is a mahjong game machine which has a display fordisplaying a plurality of mahjong tiles, wherein mahjong tiles to beexchanged may be selected arbitrarily from the plurality of mahjongtiles displayed on the display, the selected mahjong tiles are exchangedto the other mahjong tiles to complete a meld, and the display is a widescreen.

The display screens of game machines conventionally used in casinos weresmall, and there was a disadvantage that it is difficult for a player tosee mahjong tiles because the size of each tile decreases whendisplaying many tiles like a mahjong game. By applying a wide screen onthe conventional mahjong game machine, each mahjong tile can bedisplayed larger thereby mahjong tiles can be seen easily.

Conventionally, touch panels have been used to select mahjong tilesdisplayed on the display screen, however, mahjong tiles on normalscreens look smaller which makes it difficult for a player to touch themby a hand. By applying a wide screen to a mahjong game machine, theplayer can easily touch the mahjong tiles.

The present invention is a mahjong game machine that pays out a bonuswhen a winning meld is completed, the display of the mahjong gamemachine displays a bonus payout ratio against the winning meld, andfurther the payout ratio against the specific winning meld displayed onthe display may be variable.

By configuring as described above, the payout ratio against specificwinning meld displayed on a plurality of mahjong game machines aredifferent for each game machine, thereby a player can deriveentertainment by looking for a game machine with a higher payout ratioto play.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, aplurality of mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, thenumber of the plurality of mahjong tiles above is fourteen which dividedinto four sets of three mahjong tiles and one set of two mahjong tiles,and each set is displayed on the display apart from each other.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, one ormultiple sets of three mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn, and amahjong tile may further be selected individually in one turn.

A game system consisting of a controller, a display, a control portion,a memory, and a judgment portion, wherein the control portion containsan exchange tile decision data for exchanging mahjong tiles selected bya player to the other mahjong tiles, and the memory contains a tiledisplay data to display a plurality of mahjong tiles on a display and ameld data to determine the completion of a meld, and the mahjong gamesystem consisting of a process of transmitting the tile display datafrom the memory to the control portion, the control portion transmitsthe tile display data to the display, and the display displays aplurality of mahjong tiles, a process that the controller transmits aninstruction data to the control portion when a player inputs theinstruction data to select a plurality of mahjong tiles from acontroller, the control portion analyzes tiles sloughed or obtained bythe player in a past game play based on the exchange tile decision data,and exchange the instruction data and mahjong tile data based on theanalysis, a process that the control portion transmits an overallmahjong tiles data containing the mahjong tile data to the judgmentportion and display, and transmit the meld data from the memory to thejudgment portion, and a process that the judgment portion determineswhether the overall mahjong tiles data and the meld data transmittedfrom the control data are consistent.

By the above described system, players in casinos can be entertainedbecause completion of a meld does not take too long. Also, byconfiguring as above, a game result is determined in a short time,thereby providing the game that can give more pleasure to players incasinos who enjoy winning a game rather than enjoying the process ofcompleting a meld.

The present invention may be a game system which has a plurality ofmahjong game systems as described above.

The present invention is a game system that pays out a bonus to a playerwhen the player complete a winning meld, each display on the pluralityof mahjong game systems displays a bonus payout ratio against a winningmeld, and the payout ratio against a particular winning meld displayedon each display may be different for each display.

By configuring as described above, a payout ratio against a specificwinning meld displayed on a plurality of mahjong game machines aredifferent for each game machine, thereby a player can deriveentertainment by looking for a game machine with a higher payout ratioto play.

Another invention according to the present invention is a mahjong gamemachine which has a display for displaying a plurality of mahjong tiles,wherein mahjong tiles to be exchanged may be selected arbitrarily fromthe plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display, the selectedmahjong tiles are exchanged to the other mahjong tiles to complete ameld, and a bet amount may be changed when selecting mahjong tiles to beexchanged.

The change of a bet amount when selecting mahjong tiles to be exchangedmay add an extra bet to an existing bet amount.

By configuring this way, a player can change a bet amount when selectingmahjong tiles, thereby the player can add an extra bet freely accordingto the combination of distributed mahjong tiles and enjoy a moreexciting game.

The game machine configured to fluctuate the payout ratio according tothe change in a bet amount, the payout ratio may increase in a casewhere the extra bet is added and a payout ratio may decrease in case noextra bet is added when selecting mahjong tiles to be exchanged.

By configuring this way, a player can select the change of bet amountaccording to the payout ratio when selecting mahjong tiles, thereby theplayer can enjoy a more exciting game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall mahjong game machineaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of showing an overall mahjong game machineaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of showing an overall mahjong game machineaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a payout ratio display for a winning meld displayed on thedisplay screen of a mahjong game machine according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 shows a play mode displayed on the display screen of a mahjonggame machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an outline of the mahjong game machine according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 shows an outline of the mahjong game machine according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a detail of database described in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart indicating a game configuration of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 shows an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 shows an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 shows an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 shows an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 shows an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 shows an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 shows an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention is hereinafter explained in detail, however, thepresent invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire mahjong game machineaccording to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a mahjong gamemachine 1 is provided with a display screen 2. Throw switches 6, a betswitch 7, a max bet switch 8, a payout switch 9, a change switch 10, anda coin clot 3 are provided right below the display screen 2. A bill slot4 and a credit payout slot 5 are provided on the lower right side of themahjong game machine 1.

The display screen 2 is provided to display the arrangement of mahjongtiles, or presentations according to the progress of the mahjong game, apayout ratio of bonus against a predetermined meld when the meld iscompleted, or a credit that a player inputted to the game machine. Thethrow switches 6 are for the player to select mahjong tiles forexchange. The change switch 10 is to exchange a mahjong tile selected bythe throw switch 6. When the player presses the change switch 10 afterselecting mahjong tiles for exchange from ones that are shown on thedisplay screen 2 by throw switch 6, other mahjong tiles are distributedin exchange of the selected mahjong tiles.

The bet switch 7 inputs a bet mount against one mahjong game. Bypressing once, one credit can be inputted as a bet amount. By pressingmultiple times, the number of times pressed ×1 credit (i.e., times onecredit) can be input as a bet amount. It is not necessary to limit themaximum bet amount, however, the bet amount may be limited, for example,to five credits. The max bet switch 8 is to input a maximum credit thatcan be bet on one mahjong game as a bet amount. For example, when a betamount is limited to five credits, five credits can be input as a betamount by pressing the max bet switch 8.

The payout switch 9 refunds a player the bet amount according to thecredit displayed on the display screen 2. The credit payout slot 5 is ahole that the credited bet is returned when a player presses the payoutswitch 9. The coin slot 3 is a hole to insert a coin to the gamemachine. The bill slot 4 is a hole to insert a bill to the game machine.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an overall mahjong game machine accordingto the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the mahjong game machine 1has a display screen 2. Throw switches 6, a bet switch 7, a max betswitch 8, a payout switch 9, a change switch 10, and a coin slot 3 isprovided right below the display screen 2. A bill slot 4 and a creditpayout slot 5 are provided on the lower right side of the mahjong gamemachine 1.

Also, the display screen 2 includes a payout ratio display 11, aplurality of mahjong tiles 12, and a credit display 18. The payout ratiodisplay 11 displays a bonus payout ratio against winning melds. Theplurality of mahjong tiles 12 are mahjong tiles that a player uses tocomplete a meld in a mahjong game, the player aims to complete a meld byarbitrarily selecting for exchange mahjong tiles from the plurality ofmahjong tiles, and exchanging them for other mahjong tiles. The creditdisplay 18 displays the credit that the player inserted in the gamemachine.

FIG. 2 shows fourteen throw switches 6. Each of these switchescorresponds to each of the plurality of mahjong tiles 12 displayed rightabove. That is, the mahjong tile on far left may be selected by pressingthe throw switch on far left. And, the mahjong tile on the second fromleft may be selected by pressing the throw switch on the second fromleft. Also, the mahjong tile on far right may be selected by pressingthe throw switch on far right. Other mahjong tiles may be selected withthe throw switches in the same manner. After selecting a mahjong tile inthis way, the player may obtain other mahjong tiles in exchange forselected mahjong tiles by pressing the change switch 10.

Also, each selection of the plurality of mahjong tiles 12 is not limitedto the throw switch 6, and the selection may also be made by touchingeach tile of the plurality of mahjong tiles 12 displayed on the displayscreen 2.

In above mahjong game machine, the plurality of mahjong tiles can beexchanged in one turn where a player selects mahjong tiles for exchange,by the method described above. The number of turns that can selectexchanging mahjong tiles is not specifically limited and it may be anynumber. However, in many cases, the player is looking forward to winrather than enjoying the process of completing a meld. Therefore, thenumber of turns may be one time because a short time is preferred tocomplete a meld. Also, the number of turns may be two or three dependingon the preference of a player.

FIG. 3 is a font view showing an overall mahjong game machine accordingto the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the mahjong game machine 1has a display screen 2. Throw switches 6, a bet switch 7, a max betswitch 8, a payout switch 9, a change switch 10, and a coin slot 3 isprovided right below the display screen 2. A bill slot 4 and a creditpayout slot 5 are provided on the lower right side of the mahjong gamemachine 1.

Also, the display screen 2 shows a payout ratio display 11, a pluralityof mahjong tiles 13-17, and a credit display 18. The plurality ofmahjong tiles 13-17 are mahjong tiles that a player uses to complete ameld in a mahjong game, the player aims for completing a meld byarbitrarily selecting exchange mahjong tiles from the plurality ofmahjong tiles, and exchanges them for other mahjong tiles. The pluralityof mahjong tiles 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 are divided into four sets 13 to16 consisting three mahjong tiles and one set 17 consisting two mahjongtiles, with fourteen mahjong tiles in total displayed.

A player may select one or more sets from the five sets 13-17 asexchange tiles. The selection of exchange tiles is made by selecting thefive sets 13-17 by the five throw switches 6 right below the displayscreen 2. That is, the set 13 of mahjong tiles may be selected bypressing the throw switch on the far left. And the set 14 of mahjongtiles may be selected by pressing the second throw switch from left.Also, the set 17 of mahjong tiles may be selected by pressing the throwswitch on far right. Other mahjong tiles may be selected by throwswitches in the same manner. After selecting a set of mahjong tiles inthis way, the player may obtain another set of mahjong tiles in exchangefor the selected set of mahjong tiles by pressing the change switch 10.

Also, the selection of each set from the five sets 13-17 is not limitedto the throw switch 6, and the selection may also be made by touchingthe set of mahjong tile from the five sets 13 to 17 displayed on thedisplay screen 2.

In the above mahjong game machine, the plurality of mahjong tiles can beexchanged in one turn where a player selects mahjong tiles for exchange,by the method described above. The number of turns that can selectexchanging mahjong tiles is not specifically limited and it may be anynumber. However, in many cases, the player is looking forward to a winrather than enjoying the process of completing a meld. Therefore, thenumber of turns may be one time because a short time is preferred tocomplete a meld. Also, the number of turns may be two or three dependingon the preference of a player.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Forexample, the number of plurality of mahjong tiles is not limited tofourteen and may be in any number. It may be eight or eleven. It may bein a form that has multiple sets of three mahjong tiles and does notinclude a set of two mahjong tiles. That is, the number of plurality ofmahjong tiles may be, for example, six, nine or twelve. Also, the formof displaying the plurality of mahjong tile on the display may be in anyform. For example, seven sets consisting two mahjong tiles in a set maybe displayed by separating each set. Alternatively, each mahjong tilemay be displayed separate from each other.

Also, the mahjong game machine 1 according to the present invention isnot limited to the display screen 2 or switches. For example, asub-display may be provided separate from the display screen 2 to stagewhen a meld is complete. And a speaker may be provided to output soundaccording to the game progress, such as a chance time, or completion ofa meld. Also, a vibratory device may be provided to output vibrationaccording to the game progress such as a chance time, or completion of ameld. In addition, a luminescent device may be provided to output lightaccording to the game progress, such as a chance time, or completion ofa meld. Further, a switch may be provided to select all the mahjongtiles with a single touch of a button for exchanging all the mahjongtiles that the player has.

And, the display on the display screen 2 is not limited to the payoutratio display 11, the plurality of mahjong tiles 12, or the creditdisplay 18, and may have another display. For example, a presentationdisplay may be provided to entertain a player when a meld is completed.Also, past play data may be displayed.

Also, the form of selecting an exchange tile from the plurality ofmahjong tiles is not limited by one tile or a set of three tilesdescribed above, and may be in any form. For example, selection may bemade by two tiles each or four tiles each. Alternatively, it may be acombination of these. That is, one or multiple sets of three mahjongtiles may be exchanged in one turn to select exchange tiles, and furthereach exchange tile may be individually selected.

Further, the size of the display screen 2 is not specifically limited,and the display screen 2 may be in any size, and preferably is a widescreen. Conventionally, poker game machines have been used in casinos,however, their display screens are small. When playing a mahjong gamewith a game machine with a small display screen, there is a problem fora player having difficulty seeing mahjong tiles because the number ofmahjong tiles is large so that the display of mahjong tiles becomessmaller on the display screen. In case the display screen is a touchpanel, there is a problem for a player having difficulty touch thedisplay by hand. By making the display screen a wide screen, the playercan easily see the mahjong tiles, and also it is easy to touch themahjong tiles displayed on the screen by hand. Also, it is preferable todisplay the payout ratio display on the display screen for a player whenplaying a game, and the above problem does not occur because mahjongtiles are displayed larger even when displaying the payout ratio displayalong with a number of mahjong tiles if the display screen is awidescreen.

FIG. 4 shows a payout ratio display against the winning melds displayedon the display screen. The far left column lists winning melds that payout a bonus when completed. There are ten types of winning melds, suchas three great scholars, hidden treasure, little three dragons, pure onesuit hand, three concealed pung, pure straight, hand with only one suitwith honors, all simples, all chows, and concealed hand. The row on thetop end of FIG. 4 indicates the number of bets made to the game by theplayer. When a meld is completed in a game, a player receives the creditindicated in the portion where the type of meld and the number ofcredits overlap. For example, the player played a game betting threecredits and completed the meld of pure one suit hand, the playerreceives 75 credits.

The payout ratio against melds displayed on the game machine accordingto the present invention may fluctuate. When a plurality of mahjong gamemachines according to the present invention exists, each machine mayindicate different payout ratios. By indicating a different payout ratioon each game machine, it provides an enjoyment for a player to find agame machine with a higher payout ratio to play.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Forexample, the number of melds is not limited and it may be any number.For example, it may be fifteen or less, or twenty or less. However, itis preferably ten or less. It may be five or less. This is because aplayer looking forward to winning a game rather than enjoying theprocess of completing a winning meld, thus it is preferable to determinewinning or losing in a short time. Also, in the case where the number ofmeld types is large, the payout ratio display becomes larger which makesthe area to display mahjong tiles smaller when showing the payoutdisplay on the display screen. As the area to display mahjong tilesdecreases, it is difficult for a player to see the mahjong tiles, andalso causes a problem that the mahjong tiles on the display screen aredifficult to touch by hand. In addition, the types of melds are notlimited, and other melds may be included. For example, all honors,thirteen orphans, pung hand, and seven pairs may be included. A displaypanel may be added to the display screen when the number of meld typesis large thereby the payout ratio display becomes larger.

Also, the number of credits for a player to bet is not limited, and itmay be any number. Also, the number of payout ratios of bonuses againstthe completion of a meld is not limited, and it may be any number.

FIG. 5 shows a play mode displayed on the display screen of the mahjonggame machine according to the present invention. The display screen 2 isdisplaying a 1-turn mode 19, 2-turn mode 20, and 3-turn mode 21. The1-turn mode is a play mode in which the number of turns that allowsplayer to exchange mahjong tiles in one game is one. In the game withone-turn mode, the game is over as mahjong tiles are distributed to aplayer and the player exchanges mahjong tiles once. The 2-turn mode is aplay mode in which the number of turns that allows player to exchangemahjong tiles in one game is twice. The 3-turn mode is a play mode inwhich the number of turns that allows player to exchange mahjong tilesin one game is three times. The selection of play mode is decided beforethe mahjong tiles are distributed to a player.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Forexample, the type of play mode is not limited to 1- to 3-turn mode, andother types of play mode may exist. For example, the play mode with fouror five numbers of turns to exchange mahjong tiles may exist. However,in many cases, a player is looking forward to a win rather than enjoyingthe process of completing a meld. Therefore, the number of turns may beonce because a short time is preferred to complete a meld. Also, thenumber of turns may be two or three depending on the preference of aplayer. There may be no selection of play mode.

FIG. 6 shows an overview of the mahjong game system according to thepresent invention. The mahjong game system 25 according to the presentinvention has a controller 24, a display 29, a control portion 26,memory 27 and a judgment part 28. The control portion 26 has exchangetiles decision data for exchanging mahjong tiles selected by a playerfrom the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display screen toother mahjong tiles. The memory 27 has meld data for determining whetherthe tile display data for displaying a plurality of mahjong tiles on thedisplay screen and melds are formed or not.

The mahjong game system 25 according to the present invention operatesfor example, through the following process. First, is a process oftransmitting the tile display data from the memory 27 to the controlportion 26, transmitting the tile display data from the control portion26 to the display 29 and the display 29 displays the plurality ofmahjong tiles. Next, is a process of transmitting instruction data tothe control portion 26 when a player inputs the instruction data fromthe controller 24 to select the plurality of exchange tiles, the controlportion 26 analyzes tiles that a player sloughed or obtained in the pastgame play based on the exchange tile decision data, and exchanges theinstruction data and the mahjong tile data based on the analysis. Nextis a process of transmitting overall mahjong tile data containing thatmahjong tile data to the judgment portion 28 and display 29 from thecontrol portion 26, and at the same time, transmitting the meld datareceived from the memory 27 to the judgment portion 28. Next, is aprocess where the judgment portion 28 determines if the overall mahjongtile data transmitted from the control portion 26 matches the meld data.The mahjong game system 25 according to the preset invention may operateas described above.

A game system which has a plurality of mahjong game systems 25 accordingto the present invention may be configured. In such a case, each displayon the plurality of mahjong game systems displays a bonus payout ratioagainst a winning meld, and further the payout ratio against thespecific winning meld displayed on each display may be different in eachdisplay. Also, the game system 25 according to the present invention mayseparate a platform with the controller 24, the display 29 and thecontrol portion 26, and a host with memory 27 and judgment portion 28.

Further, the host may have another control portion. In such a case, thehost may control the game or control the fluctuation of the payoutratio. For example, the game system may be as follows. The game systemhas a plurality of such platforms and one host, a mahjong game isstarted simultaneously by the plurality of platforms and a plurality ofplayers at first. The player who can complete a meld in the game islimited to a specific person. The specific person who completed thewinning meld can obtain a predetermined bet from the bets that were madeby the players who did not complete the meld. The host may control theseseries of actions performed by the plurality of platforms. In such acase, the winning player's mahjong game machine 1 may be notified ofwinning by illuminating an LED provided to the mahjong game machine 1,or playing a sound.

FIG. 7 shows an overview of the mahjong game system according to thepresent invention. A mahjong game system 25 according to the presentinvention has a mahjong game machine 1, control portion 26 and memory27. The memory 27 has a database 30, a database 31, and database 32. Thedatabase 30 contains tile display data for displaying a plurality ofmahjong tiles on the display screen. The database 30 also contains othermahjong tile data to exchange with the mahjong tiles when a playerselects the mahjong tiles for exchange in a game. The database 31contains tiles that the player sloughed from the mahjong tiles on handin the past games. The database 31 also memorizes other mahjong tilesthat were exchanged with mahjong tiles when a player selected themahjong tiles for exchange in the past game play. Also, the database 32contains other mahjong tile set data to be exchanged with mahjong tilesets when a player selects three mahjong tile sets for exchange in agame. Three mahjong tiles consisting of the other mahjong tile set datamay be the same type. For example, all three mahjong tiles may be dots(pinzu) or bamboos (suozu).

The mahjong game system 25 according to the present invention mayoperate, for example, through the following process. First, is a processof transmitting the tile display data from the database 30 to thecontrol portion 26, the control portion 26 transmits the tile displaydata to the mahjong game machine 1, and the mahjong game machine 1displays a plurality of mahjong tiles. Next, is a process oftransmitting the instruction data to the control portion 26 as a playerinputs an instruction data selecting a plurality of exchange tiles tothe mahjong game machine 1.

Next, is a process where the control portion 26 receives the othermahjong tile data from the database 30 based on the exchange tiledecision data. The types and order of the other mahjong data aredetermined based on the exchange tile decision data. The method fordetermining the type and the order is not limited specifically, and itmay be any method. For example, the control portion 26 may randomlyselect the other mahjong tile data stored in the database 30 based onthe exchange tile decision data. Also the control portion 26 may selectthe other mahjong tile data in the order stored in the database 30 basedon the exchange tile decision data.

Further, the selection of the other mahjong tile data by the controlportion 26 based on the exchange tile decision data may be performedbased on the sloughed tiles contained in the database 31. For example,the control portion 26 analyzes the tiles that players sloughed in thepast game play based on the exchange tile decision data, and selects thesame types of mahjong tiles that were sloughed in many times as theother mahjong tile data. Also, types different from that of mahjongtiles sloughed in many times may be selected as the other mahjong tiledata.

Still further, the selection of the other mahjong tile data by thecontrol portion 26 based on the exchange tile decision data may beperformed based on the other mahjong tiles contained in the database 31.For example, the control portion 26 analyzes the other tiles that theplayer obtained in the past game play based on the exchange tiledecision data, and selects the same types of mahjong tiles that wereobtained in many times as the other mahjong tile data. Also, typesdifferent from the mahjong tiles obtained in many times may be selectedas the other mahjong tile data.

Also, when a player inputs the instruction data to exchange threeexchange tile sets to the mahjong game machine 1, the control portion 26may go through a process of receiving other mahjong tile set data fromthe database 32 based on the exchange tile decision data. When the threemahjong tiles consisting of the other mahjong tile set data are the sametype, a player can easily grasp the entire mahjong tiles as displayed onthe displayed screen. Players in casinos enjoy winning a game ratherthan enjoying the process of completing a meld, thus the fact that it iseasy to grasp the entire mahjong tiles can provide pleasure to thoseplayers. Also, when three mahjong tiles are the same type, it isfavorable because the determination of winning or losing the game can bemade in a short time. Exchange of such data may be made based on theanalysis result of tiles that sloughed or obtained by players in pastgame play as described above. As a final process, the control portion 26transmits overall mahjong tile data which contains the other mahjongtile data to the mahjong game machine 1. The mahjong game system 25according to the present invention may operate as described above.

FIG. 8 shows the database 30 described in FIG. 7, in detail. FIG. 8shows the database 30 and four sets 13, 14, 15 and 16 consisting threemahjong tiles distributed to a player as a set, and one set 17consisting two mahjong tiles. The database 30 has other mahjong tiledata 32, 33 and 34 to exchange with the tiles that the player selectedfrom the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display screen.

The above described other mahjong tile data 32, 33, and 34 are stored inthe database 30 in order, and exchanged with one mahjong tile set 13 inorder each time a player makes a selection to exchange tiles. That is,when the player makes a first selection decision to exchange tiles, onemahjong tile set 13 is exchanged to the other mahjong tile data 32.Next, when the player makes a second selection decision to exchangetiles, the other mahjong tile data 32 is exchanged to the other mahjongtile data 33. Next, when the player makes a third selection decision toexchange tiles, the other mahjong tile data 33 is exchanged to the othermahjong tile data 34. Also, mahjong tile data is exchanged by performingthe same operations for one mahjong tile set 14 to 17.

The game system according to the present invention is not limited to theabove embodiments. For example, the above described other mahjong tiledata is not limited to other mahjong tile data 32, 33, and 34, and itmay be any number of data. Also, other mahjong tile data may not bestored in the database 30 in order. For example, a number of othermahjong data stored in the database 30 may be randomly selected andexchanged to one mahjong tile set in order. Also, as shown in FIG. 8,the mahjong tiles distributed to a player may not be divided into foursets of mahjong tiles consisting of three mahjong tiles as a set, andone set of two mahjong tiles. In addition, one set of mahjong tilesexchanged in FIG. 8 may not be three mahjong tiles. The number of oneset of mahjong tiles may be two, four or fourteen. The game system mayhave characteristics described in the mahjong game machine according tothe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart describing a game configuration according to thepresent invention. The operation of a mahjong game machine according tothe present invention is hereinafter explained based on the flowchart.

First, the game machine starts up when the power of the mahjong gamemachine is turned on (step 1). And a display to select a play mode isshown on the display screen of the game machine. For example, there areplay modes with one, two, or three turns that allow the player toexchange mahjong tiles in a game. The type of play mode is notspecifically limited and it may be any type.

When a player selects play mode (step 2), mahjong tiles are distributed,and a plurality of mahjong tiles are displayed on the display screen(step 3). Next, a determination is made as to whether the playerselected exchange tiles from the plurality of mahjong tiles (step 4).When the selection of exchange tiles was made, a determination is madeas to whether the selected exchange tiles were a set of three mahjongtiles or not (step 5). If the selected exchange tiles are the set ofthree mahjong tiles, the set of three mahjong tiles are exchange forother mahjong tiles (step 6). At this time, as explained in FIG. 7above, a number of sets of three mahjong tiles of a same type are storedin the database 32, and other sets of mahjong tiles may be selected fromthese. Also, a set of three mahjong tiles of a different type may beselected. When the exchange tile is not a set of three mahjong tiles,each selected tile is exchanged (step 7).

When there is no exchange of selected mahjong tiles, or a selection ofexchange tiles by the player, a determination is made as to whether awinning meld is formed or not (step 8). When the winning meld is formed,the type of winning meld is determined (step 10), and a bonus accordingto the winning meld is paid to the player (step 11). When no winningmeld is formed, a determination is made as to whether a turn that aplayer can exchange mahjong tiles in a game is completed or not (step9).

When a player has not completed a turn that allows exchange of mahjongtiles for a game, the player is given an opportunity to select exchangetiles again (step 4). When a player has completed the turn that allowsto change mahjong tiles, or when a player has received a bonus payoutaccording to the winning meld (step 11), determination is made whetherthe game is completed or not (step 12). When the game is determined tobe completed, the game is over (step 13). When the game is notdetermined to be completed, the mahjong tiles are distributed again andthe game is resumed (step 3).

The game configuration of the present invention is not limited to theabove. For example, selection of exchange tiles from a distributedplurality of mahjong tiles is not limited to a set of three mahjongtiles, or each individual tile, and may be in any form. For example, aset of two mahjong tiles, or a set of four mahjong tiles may beselected. In addition, it may be provided with the characteristicsdescribed in the mahjong game machine or the mahjong game of the presentinvention.

Another embodiment of the present invention is hereafter explained indetail, however, the present invention is not limited to this. Forexample, the present invention may be provided with the characteristicsdescribed in the mahjong game machine or the mahjong game of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention. FIG. 10 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machineaccording to the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payoutratio display 11, four mahjong tile sets 13 to 16 consisting of threemahjong tiles in a set, and one mahjong tile set 17 consisting of twomahjong tiles in a set. Five mahjong tile sets are mahjong tilesdistributed to a player. By seeing the entire displayed mahjong tiles12, it can be noted that the mahjong tile 13 is unnecessary forcompleting a meld.

FIG. 11 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine accordingto the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratiodisplay 11, four mahjong tile sets 13 to 16 consisting of three mahjongtiles in a set, and one mahjong tile set 17 consisting of two mahjongtiles in a set. Five mahjong tile sets are mahjong tiles distributed toa player. FIG. 11 shows a player selecting one mahjong tile set 13 forexchange. The selected one mahjong tile set 13 is displayed slightlyhigher than the mahjong tile sets 14 to 17 that are not selected.

FIG. 12 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine accordingto the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratiodisplay 11, four sets 13 to 16 consisting of three mahjong tiles in aset, and one set 17 consisting two mahjong tiles in a set. FIG. 12 showsthat the one mahjong tile set 13 is exchanged to another set of mahjongtiles. By seeing the entire mahjong tiles, in can be noted that a meldof all chows is completed. In this case, a player is eligible to receivea credit indicated in the row of all chows on the payout ratio display11 as a bonus.

FIGS. 13 to 17 show an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention. FIG. 13 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machineaccording to the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payoutratio display 11 and a plurality of mahjong tiles 12. The plurality ofmahjong tiles 12 are mahjong tiles distributed to a player. By seeingthe entire plurality of mahjong tiles 12, it can be noted that themahjong tiles 40, 41, 42, and 43 are unnecessary for completing a meld.

FIG. 14 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine accordingto the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratiodisplay 11 and a plurality of mahjong tiles 12. The plurality of mahjongtiles 12 are mahjong tiles distributed to a player. FIG. 14 shows aplayer is selecting three individual mahjong tiles 40, 41, and 42, andthe set 43 of three mahjong tiles for exchange. The selected mahjongtiles 40, 41, 42, and 43 are displayed slightly higher than the mahjongtiles that are not selected.

FIG. 15 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine accordingto the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratiodisplay 11 and a plurality of mahjong tiles 12. FIG. 15 shows themahjong tiles 40, 41, 42, and 43 in FIG. 14 being exchanged with othermahjong tiles. By seeing the plurality of mahjong tiles indicated inFIG. 15, it can be noted that the mahjong tile 44 is unnecessary forcompleting a meld.

Meanwhile, there is a possibility for a meld with a high payout ratio tobe completed in FIG. 15 if the mahjong tile 44 changes. In such a case,a player may change a bet amount when selecting the mahjong tile 44 forexchange. For example, in the play condition of FIG. 15 and 1 credit iscurrently selected, a player may select 5 credits as an extra betbecause a meld with high payout ratio may be completed.

By configuring in such way, a player can enjoy a more exciting play byadding an extra bet freely according to the combination of distributedmahjong tiles because the bet amount can be changed when selectingmahjong tiles. Also, the payout ratio in the case of adding an extra betcan be changed from the payout ratio in the case of no extra bet. Thatis, the payout ratio at the beginning of play and the payout ratio whenan extra bet was added after finding out there is the possibility ofcompleting the meld with a higher payout ratio may be the same or thepayout ratio in the case where the extra bet was added may be slightlylower.

On the contrary, in the mode where an extra bet is premised, the payoutratio may be increased when the extra bet is added and it may bedecreased when there is no extra bet. In this way, a player can enjoy amore exiting play because he or she can select a change of bet amountaccording to a payout ratio when selecting mahjong tiles.

FIG. 16 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine accordingto the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratiodisplay 11 and a plurality of mahjong tiles 12. FIG. 16 shows that aplayer is selecting a mahjong tile 44 from the plurality of mahjongtiles 12 in FIG. 15 for exchange. The selected mahjong tile 44 isdisplayed slightly higher than the mahjong tiles that are not selected.

FIG. 17 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine accordingto the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratiodisplay 11 and a plurality of mahjong tiles 12. FIG. 17 shows themahjong tile 44 in FIG. 16 is exchanged with another mahjong tile. Byseeing the entire mahjong tiles, it can be noted that a meld of threewise scholars is completed. In this case, a player is eligible forreceiving a credit indicated in the row of three wise scholars on thepayout ratio display 11, as a bonus.

1. A mahjong game machine comprising a display for displaying aplurality of mahjong tiles, wherein one or more mahjong tiles to beexchanged are selected from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed onthe display, said selected mahjong tiles are then exchanged in anattempt to complete a meld; and where a plurality of mahjong tiles maybe exchanged in one turn.
 2. The mahjong game machine according to claim1, wherein a number of said plurality of mahjong tiles is fourteen whichis divided into four sets of three mahjong tiles and one set of twomahjong tiles, and each set is displayed on said display separate fromeach other.
 3. The mahjong game machine according to claim 2, whereinmahjong tiles that are exchanged are selected from a group consisting ofone set of three mahjong tiles, two sets of three mahjong tiles, threesets of three mahjong tiles, four sets of three mahjong tiles, and acombination of two or more thereof.
 4. The mahjong game machineaccording to claim 1, wherein a number of mahjong tiles that may beexchanged at one turn is two or fourteen.
 5. The mahjong game machineaccording to claim 1, wherein one or multiple sets of three mahjongtiles may be exchanged in one turn, and a mahjong tile may further beselected individually in one turn.
 6. The mahjong game machine accordingto claim 1, wherein a number of turns to select said mahjong tiles to beexchanged is one.
 7. The mahjong game machine according to claim 1,wherein a number of turns to select said mahjong tiles to be exchangedis two or three.
 8. The mahjong game machine according to claim 1,wherein said display is a wide screen.
 9. The mahjong game machineaccording to claim 1, wherein a number of the meld is ten or less.
 10. Amahjong game machine comprising a display for displaying a plurality ofmahjong tiles, wherein one or more mahjong tiles to be exchanged areselected from the plurality of mahjong tiles, said selected mahjongtiles are exchanged in an attempt to complete a meld; and said displayis a wide screen.
 11. The mahjong game machine according to claim 10,wherein said mahjong game machine pays out a bonus when a winning meldis completed, wherein said display of the mahjong game machine displaysa payout ratio of a bonus against a winning meld; and where the payoutratio against a specific winning meld displayed on the said displaychanges.
 12. The mahjong game machine according to claim 10, wherein ina selection of mahjong tiles to be exchanged, one or a plurality ofmahjong tiles may be exchanged at one turn.
 13. The mahjong game machineaccording to claim 12, wherein a number of said plurality of mahjongtiles is fourteen which is divided into four sets of three mahjong tilesand one set of two mahjong tiles, and each set is displayed on saiddisplay separate from each other.
 14. The mahjong game machine accordingto claim 12, wherein said one turn allows an exchange of mahjong tiles,the exchange selected from a group consisting of: one or multiple setsof three mahjong tiles, and one mahjong tile.
 15. A game systemcomprising a controller, a display, a control portion, a memory, and ajudgment portion, wherein said control portion contains an exchange tiledecision data for exchanging mahjong tiles selected by a player to theother mahjong tiles, and the memory contains a tile display data todisplay a plurality of mahjong tiles on a display and a meld data todetermine the completion of a meld; wherein the mahjong game systemcomprises a process of transmitting said tile display data from saidmemory to said control portion, said control portion transmits said tiledisplay data to said display, and said display displays a plurality ofmahjong tiles; where said controller transmits an instruction data tosaid control portion when a player inputs the instruction data to selecta plurality of mahjong tiles, said control portion analyzes tilessloughed or obtained by the player in a past game play based on saidexchange tile decision data, and exchanges said instruction data andmahjong tile data based on said analysis; where said control portiontransmits an overall mahjong tile data containing said mahjong tile datato said judgment portion and display, and transmits said meld data fromsaid memory to said judgment portion; and where said judgment datadetermines whether said overall mahjong tile data and said meld datatransmitted from said control data are consistent.
 16. The game systemaccording to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of mahjong gamesystems that are in communication with each other.
 17. The game systemaccording to claim 16, wherein said mahjong game system pays out a bonusto a player when the player completes a winning meld; each display ofthe plurality of mahjong game systems displays a payout ratio of a bonusagainst the winning meld; and the payout ratio of the winning melddisplayed on each of the plurality of mahjong game systems is different.18. A mahjong game machine comprising a display for displaying aplurality of mahjong tiles, wherein mahjong tiles to be exchanged areselected from the plurality of mahjong tiles, said selected mahjongtiles are exchanged at least one time to complete a meld; and a betamount may be changed before selecting the mahjong tiles to beexchanged.
 19. The mahjong game machine according to claim 18, whereinsaid change of bet amount at the selection of mahjong tiles is to add anextra bet to existing bet amount.
 20. The mahjong game machine accordingto claim 18, the mahjong game machine configured to change the payoutratio according to said bet amount, wherein the payout ratio increaseswhen an extra bed is added at the selection of said exchange mahjongtiles, and the payout ratio decreases when there is no extra bet.